For many years, the International Bake Sale, a part of International Week celebrations, has been a favorite event of the students and faculty. Contributors to the sale bring in dishes that represent their respective heritage.
The bake sale acts as more than just a celebration of culture, with the profits being collected by the social justice department for a charity.
“It’s like a win-win: you get to share culture but then also help other people,” Director of Social Justice Maika Walker commented. “It’s a great way to raise money for a charitable organization.”
Organizing the bake sale is a group effort between Walker, Virginia Clifford-Weiss, and students who are donating and contributing baked goods. Walker started working at the Academy in 2021, but recalls celebrating International Week as a student.
“Food is something that’s really specific to different cultures,” Walker said. “Since International Week is all about sharing our cultures I think a bake sale lends itself really well to that cause people can bring whatever their favorite treat is from their culture.”
Chanda Chung looked forward to representing Cambodia with her dishes.
“Food’s a big part of culture and in sharing it and having people enjoy it is a celebration of itself because so many celebrations revolve around food in Cambodia,” Chung explained. “It’s really fun bringing that type of food to Academy of the Holy Cross.”
Chung debated bringing a pumpkin pastry with red bean filling or pineapple cakes that students enjoyed last year. Students like Sophia Pimenta are passionate about the benefits of peers bringing in international cuisine.
“I’m someone who loves trying food from all around the world, so I look forward to International Week every year because we’re able to try so many different foods and learn about the culture as well,” Pimenta stated. “I love being able to try food from around the world in school in one place.”
Pimenta recalls pupusas, boba, and Jamaican curry patties as her favorite purchases over the past two years. Her favorite parts about the bake sale are learning about the history of the dish she buys and the student’s relationship with it.
“Everyone coming together and celebrating in a way is just a really great representation of diversity and appreciating other people,” Walker agreed. “It’s really important to honor and celebrate different cultures because that’s the whole fabric of our community and our nation.”
In order to fully appreciate the International Week bake sale, Chung recommends embracing peers’ cultures.
“Most of all, engage. Ask questions about the country to the people because they really want to share,” Chung emphasized. “Also come early because then you can get the best food! Don’t wait because then it gets cleared out really really fast.”
Students and faculty agree that the bake sale is a great way to learn about the multitude of cultures represented at the Academy.
“I love international month,” Pimenta declared. “The bake sale is my favorite day of the year.”
